Side/window Air Bag problems of the 2004 Toyota Sienna

The air bag failure light came on in my 2004 Toyota Sienna, whick I purchased new in 2004. The vehicle has never been in an accident. I took the vehicle to a Toyota dealer for diagnosis. I was told that the passenger side air bag had become defective and that the air bag and its associated harness would have to be replaced at a cost of $2600. Toyota does not cover this safety problem after the vehicle's warrantee has expired. I think that the manufacturer should have to absorb the costs of repairs to any defects in an important safety system such a the srs airbags for the life of the vehicle.

My wife was driving the vehicle at low speed over a residential speed bump when the passenger side curtain airbags deployed. There was a slightly injuring one of the girl scouts she was transporting(sprained wrist). Our insurance company inspected the vehicle and found no signs of impact on the side or under carriage of the vehicle. We are waiting for word from Toyota on whether they will cover the cost of replacing he airbags (over $3,000).

We bought our Sienna new from a Toyota dealer. We requested leather interior and paid extra and it was installed. We later found out that this work was not done by the dealer but was subcontracted and Toyota parts were not used. Subsequently 13 days ago I hit a pothole and the passenger side curtain air bag deployed. We noticed a warning sticker on the car that said that non factory seat covers must not be installed because of the side air bags. I contacted a local Toyota dealer service manager who felt that Toyota should inspect the vehicle. He then developed pneumonia and was unable to work. I contacted Toyota. They took all the details. They refused to examine the vehicle and suggested I refer it tom my insurer for repair. Clearly Toyota policies had not been adhered to by the dealer. Toyota refused to even consider sending out a warning notice or the performance of any safety evaluation of our or any other car. As there had been a breach of their own policies I find this to be an astonishing response. Above all I want my family and others to be safe. I feel the manufacturer should at least inspect a vehicle under such circumstances.